Automated decontamination of complex areas

ABSTRACT

Provided are mobile decontamination units and methods of using such units for decontaminating various areas, such as aircraft cabins. A mobile decontamination unit comprises at least one aerosol dispersing nozzle and at least one aerosol directing fan. The nozzle disperses disinfectant in the aerosol form, while the fan directed this aerosol to surfaces being decontaminated. Aerosol dispersing parameters, such the nozzle and fan orientations, dispersing rate, fan speed, and the like, are determined based on area characteristics. Specifically, orientations of different surfaces, temperature, humidity and/or other like characteristics may be considered. Some characteristics may be obtained by the mobile decontamination unit after its deployment in the area, such as using its sensors. Other characteristics, such as area layout, may be preloaded to the mobile decontamination unit prior to its deployment. The dispersing parameters are determined to ensure through decontamination of the surfaces in the area.

FIELD

This disclosure relates to decontamination of complex areas and, morespecifically, to methods and systems of automated decontamination ofareas having hard-to-access surfaces such as aircraft cabins.

BACKGROUND

Contaminants may be introduced or appear in various areas causing theareas to become unsuitable for further use. For example, with thegrowing popularity of air and other types of travel and newdestinations, the potential for transmission of infectious diseases hasdramatically increased. Some types and levels of contamination may becontrolled by air filtration, as well as wiping exposed surfaces withdisinfecting agents. However, these methods can be costly, timeconsuming, expose humans (e.g., cleaning personnel) to contaminantsand/or decontaminants, and have other unintended results. For example,many modern aircraft have large cabins with many hard to access surfacesmaking it difficult to perform through decontamination during shortlanding periods. Many hidden surfaces and small cavities may remainunattended and can retain substantial amounts of contaminants.Furthermore, many biological pathogens are quite resilient at roomtemperatures and require concentrated harsh chemicals, such as peroxidesand/or acids, which may be undesirable for some surfaces

SUMMARY

Provided are mobile decontamination units and methods of using suchunits for decontaminating various areas, such as aircraft cabins. Amobile decontamination unit comprises at least one aerosol dispersingnozzle and at least one aerosol directing fan. The nozzle dispersesdisinfectant in the aerosol form while the fan directs aerosol tosurfaces being decontaminated. Aerosol dispersing parameters, such thenozzle and fan orientations, dispersing rate, fan speed, and the like,are determined based on area characteristics. Specifically, orientationof different surfaces, temperature, humidity and/or other likecharacteristics may be considered. Some characteristics may be obtainedby the mobile decontamination unit after its deployment in the area, forexample, using of its sensors. Other characteristics, such as arealayout, may be preloaded into the mobile decontamination unit prior toits deployment. The dispersing parameters are determined to ensurethrough decontamination of the surfaces in the area.

In some examples, method for decontaminating an area comprises deployinga mobile decontamination unit in the area, determining aerosoldispersing parameters, dispersing a decontaminant in a form ofdecontaminant droplets, and directing the decontaminant droplets tosurfaces in the area. The mobile decontamination unit comprises anaerosol dispersing nozzle and an aerosol directing fan. The aerosoldispersing nozzle is used for dispersing the decontaminant.Specifically, the decontaminant is dispersed in an aerosol formcomprising the decontaminant droplets. Furthermore, the decontaminant isdispersed in accordance with the aerosol dispersing parameters, whichare determined based on area characteristics. The aerosol directing fanis used to direct the decontaminant droplets to the surfaces.

In some examples, determining the aerosol dispersing parameters isfurther performed based on characteristics of the decontaminant, whichmay be referred to as decontaminant characteristics. These decontaminantcharacteristics may be used together with the area characteristics todetermine the aerosol dispersing parameters. Some examples of thedecontaminant characteristics include density, surface tension,composition, and the like.

In some examples, determining the aerosol dispersing parameterscomprises obtaining the area characteristics. Some examples of thesearea characteristics include humidity of the area, temperature of thearea, contaminant type, orientation of the surfaces, and the like. Thearea characteristics may be obtained using a sensor of the mobiledecontamination unit. This location acquisition of the areacharacteristics allows using the mobile decontamination unit even whensome information about the area is unknown. For example, the temperatureof the area may be initially unknown or it may change during thedecontamination process. The temperature may be monitored locally by themobile decontamination unit or via a temperature sensor.

In some examples, the area characteristics are stored in a database ofthe mobile decontamination unit. For example, the database may bepreloaded with a layout of the area, surface conditions, and/or expectedenvironmental conditions (e.g., humidity, temperature). The areacharacteristics stored in the database may be combined with additionalarea characteristics obtained locally by the mobile decontaminationunit. In some examples, some area characteristics and/or dispensingparameters may be transmitted to the mobile decontamination unit from anexternal unit, e.g., sensors provided in the area, external controllers,and the like. Likewise, the mobile decontamination unit may transmitsome area characteristics and/or dispensing parameters to the externalunit.

In some examples, the overall operation of determining the aerosoldispersing parameters involves changing at least some areacharacteristics prior to finalizing the dispersing parameters. Forexample, initially, some area characteristics may be suboptimal foreffective decontamination, e.g., the temperature may be too low or toohigh. These area characteristics may be changed to a set range, e.g.,the range acceptable decontamination. The operation of determining theaerosol dispersing parameters may not be complete until the areacharacteristics are changed and within the set range. Alternatively,initial aerosol dispersing parameters may be determined and the processmay continue with dispersing the decontaminant while the areacharacteristics are changed. New aerosol dispersing parameters may bedetermined when the change to the area characteristics is complete.

In some examples, changing the area characteristics comprises operatinga remote unit, which is external to the mobile decontamination unit. Themobile decontamination unit may send instructions to the remote unit toperform changes to the area characteristics. Some examples of the remoteunit include a heating-ventilation-air conditioning (HVAC) unit, ahumidifier, an ozone generator, and the like. The remote unit should bedistinguished from components of the mobile decontamination unit thatmay also be operable to change the area characteristics. For example,the remote unit may be a heater, different from a heater coupled to theaerosol directing fan of the mobile decontamination unit.

In some examples, determining the aerosol dispersing parameters isperformed using a unit controller of the mobile decontamination unit. Inthe same or other examples, determining the aerosol dispersingparameters is performed remotely (e.g., by a remote unit) and thentransmitted to the mobile decontamination unit. For example, a remoteunit may have its own controller. The initial set of the aerosoldispersing parameters may be transmitted to the mobile decontaminationunit and, in some examples, further modified at the mobiledecontamination unit, for example, based on locally obtained areacharacteristics.

In some examples, the method further comprises moving the mobiledecontamination unit in the area. For example, the mobiledecontamination unit may be moved to access other parts of the areathereby allowing decontamination of larger areas. Furthermore, themobile decontamination unit may be moved within the area to changeorientation of its aerosol dispersing nozzle and aerosol directing fanrelative to the surfaces in the area. For example, the mobiledecontamination unit may rotate to provide a more appropriate angle fordispersing and/or to more uniformly disperse the decontaminant.

In some examples, moving the mobile decontamination unit in the area isperformed while dispersing the decontaminant. In other words, the movingoperation may overlap with the decontaminant dispersing operation. Thisfeature ensures continuity of the dispersing operation, enhancesuniformity of the decontamination, and improves the speed of the overallprocess.

Furthermore, moving the mobile decontamination unit in the area may beperformed automatically based on the area characteristics. For example,the mobile decontamination unit may include a mobility module thatallows the mobile decontamination unit to move without external help(e.g., from an operator). This feature allows to avoid exposing humansto potential contaminants and/or decontaminants in the area.

In some examples, the method further comprises changing the aerosoldispersing parameters. This may involve changing one or more of thefollowing parameters: the orientation of the aerosol dispersing nozzlerelative to the area, the orientation of the aerosol directing fanrelative to the area, the power of heaters, the fan speed, thedispensing rate, and the like. Such changes may be performed toaccommodate changes in area characteristics from one part of the area toanother. In some examples, the orientation of the aerosol dispersingnozzle may be changed while dispersing the decontaminant, e.g., whilemoving from one surface to another.

In some examples, changing the aerosol dispersing parameters comprisesboth changing the orientation of the aerosol dispersing nozzle andchanging the orientation of the aerosol directing fan. The mobiledecontamination unit may maintain a certain relationship between theorientation of the aerosol dispersing nozzle and that of the aerosoldirecting fan. For example, changing both the orientation of the aerosoldispersing nozzle and the orientation of the aerosol directing fancomprises changing orientation of a head portion of the mobiledecontamination unit relative to a base portion of the mobiledecontamination unit. The head portion comprises (and supports) theaerosol dispersing nozzle and the aerosol directing fan. In other words,when the head portion changes its orientation relative to the baseportion, which would be also relative to the area, the orientation ofthe nozzle and fan relative the area changes too. In some examples,changing the orientation of the head portion relative to the baseportion comprises raising the head portion relative to the base portionand/or rotating the head portion relative to the base portion. It shouldbe noted that the base portion may also change its orientation relativeto the area, e.g., by moving the mobile decontamination unit in thearea. This change in the orientation of the base portion changes theorientation of the entire mobile decontamination unit and all of itscomponents, including any nozzles and fans.

In some examples, directing the decontaminant droplets to the surfacescomprises forming a turbulent air flow around the decontaminantdroplets. The turbulent air flow may be formed by the aerosol directingfan. In some examples, the turbulent air flow may be formed, at least inpart, by the remote unit.

In some examples, dispersing the decontaminant within the area anddirecting the decontaminant droplets to the surfaces overlap in time.Specifically, the aerosol directing fan may be operational (e.g., at alltimes) while dispersing the decontaminant. The flow generated by theaerosol directing fan helps to direct the decontaminant droplets and tocarry the decontaminant droplets longer distances than if no fans areused (e.g., dispersing the decontaminant droplets in quiescent air).

In some examples, determining the aerosol dispersing parameterscomprises determining the orientation of the aerosol dispersing nozzleand/or the orientation of the aerosol directing fan based on theorientation of the surfaces in the area. This nozzle-fan-surfaceorientation relationship may be used to ensure that all surfaces getadequate amounts of the decontaminant.

In some examples, the method further comprises obtaining the orientationof the surfaces in the area. This operation may be performed using acamera of the mobile decontamination unit. Alternatively, oradditionally, this information may be retrieved from a database of themobile decontamination unit. In other words, the database may contain atleast some area characteristics, which may be added to the databaseprior to deployment of the mobile decontamination unit in the area.

In some examples, the aerosol dispersing parameters comprises atemperature ramping profile of an air directed by the aerosol directingfan. The temperature ramping profile may be linear.

In some examples, the method further comprises supplying thedecontaminant to the mobile decontamination unit while dispersing thedecontaminant within the area. For example, the mobile decontaminationunit may be tethered to a remote unit, which has a decontaminantstorage. Eliminating an onboard storage and supplying the decontaminantexternally allows to reduce the weight of the mobile decontaminationunit. On the other hand, the mobile decontamination unit without anytethers and with an onboard decontaminant storage module may be moremobile in the area since tethers may restrict the range, orientations,and other movement characteristics of the mobile decontamination unit.

In some examples, the area decontaminated by the mobile decontaminationunit is an aircraft cabin. Aircraft cabins are highly-populated enclosedareas that may be used for prolonged periods of time (e.g., longflights). Furthermore, aircraft cabins have many different surfaces madefrom different materials, making decontamination process particularlychallenging.

Also provided is a mobile decontamination unit for decontaminating anarea. The mobile decontamination unit comprises a base portion, a headportion, an aerosol dispersing nozzle, and an aerosol directing fan. Thebase portion comprises a mobility module operable to move the mobiledecontamination unit around and at least within the area. The headportion may be movably coupled to the base portion. The aerosoldispersing nozzle may be operable to disperse a decontaminant within thearea in an aerosol form comprising a decontaminant droplets. The aerosoldirecting fan may be operable to direct the decontaminant droplets ofthe decontaminant to surfaces in the area.

In some examples, the mobile decontamination unit further comprises aunit controller. The unit controller may be operable to determineaerosol dispersing parameters based on area characteristics.Furthermore, the unit controller may be operable to control operationsof the aerosol dispersing nozzle, the aerosol directing fan, and themobility module.

The mobile decontamination unit may further comprise a database,comprising at least a portion of the area characteristics. In otherwords, at least a portion of the area characteristics may be storedlocally in the mobile decontamination unit. One example of suchcharacteristics is area layout. Additional characteristics may betransmitted to the mobile decontamination unit and/or obtained by themobile decontamination unit after being deployed in the area. Forexample, the mobile decontamination unit may further comprise a sensorselected from the group consisting of a biological sensor, a chemicalsensor, a temperature sensor, a humidity sensor, and a camera. Thesensor may be operable to obtain the area characteristics and transmitthe area characteristics to the unit controller for further use, e.g.,to determine the dispensing parameters.

In some examples, the mobility module is controllable by the unitcontroller based on the area characteristics obtained from the area. Forexample, the unit controller may choose to change the position of themobile decontamination unit in the area and control the mobility moduleto implement these changes.

In some examples, the aerosol dispersing nozzle and the aerosoldirecting fan are movable at least with respect to the base portion. Forexample, the aerosol dispersing nozzle and the aerosol directing fan maypositioned on a head portion, which may be raiseable and/or rotatablerelative to the base portion. Furthermore, the aerosol dispersing nozzleand the aerosol directing fan may change their orientation relative tothe head portion.

In some examples, the aerosol dispersing nozzle and the aerosoldirecting fan are pivotable (or tiltable) relative to the center axis ofthe mobile decontamination unit. The aerosol dispersing nozzle and theaerosol directing fan may be rotatable around the center axis of themobile decontamination unit.

In some examples, the mobile decontamination unit further comprises aconnector for connecting a tether selected from the group consisting ofan electrical power line, a pneumatic line, a communication line, and adecontaminant supply line. The mobile decontamination unit may comprisea decontaminant storage module. The mobile decontamination unit mayfurther comprise a communication module for communicating with a systemof the area.

The features and functions that have been discussed can be achievedindependently in various examples or may be combined in yet otherexamples further details of which can be seen with reference to thefollowing description and drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIGS. 1A-1D are schematic representations of a mobile decontaminationunit deployed within an area (represented as an aircraft cabin), inaccordance with some examples.

FIG. 2A is a schematic block diagram of a mobile decontamination unit aspart of a system, in accordance with some examples.

FIG. 2B is a schematic representation of a mobile decontamination unitoperably coupled to a remote unit of the area, in accordance with someexamples.

FIGS. 3A-3B are schematic representations of a mobile decontaminationunit, in accordance with some examples.

FIG. 3C is a schematic representation of information flows betweenvarious components of a mobile decontamination unit, in accordance withsome examples.

FIG. 4 is a process flowchart corresponding to a method fordecontaminating of an area, in accordance with some examples.

FIG. 5A is a schematic representation of a camera of a mobiledecontamination unit capturing an image of a decontaminant droplet on asurface, in accordance with some examples.

FIG. 5B is a schematic representation of a temperature profile and aconcentration profile during a decontamination process, in accordancewith some examples.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

In the following description, numerous specific details are set forth inorder to provide a thorough understanding of the presented concepts. Thepresented concepts may be practiced without some or all of thesespecific details. In other instances, well known process operations havenot been described in detail so as to not unnecessarily obscure thedescribed concepts. While some concepts will be described in conjunctionwith the specific examples, it will be understood that these examplesare not intended to be limiting.

INTRODUCTION

Decontamination of complex areas can be challenging and often cannot beperformed by human operators because of the required speed and/orexposure to contaminants and decontaminants. Provided are automatedmobile decontamination units and methods of using such units fordecontaminating various areas, especially complex areas, such asaircraft cabins. A mobile decontamination unit may include nozzles (orinjectors) to disperse a decontaminant in aerosol form, forming a cloudof decontaminant droplets. The cloud assumes a “plume shape”, which maybe a fixed characteristic of the nozzle, and also a function of somedispersing parameters, such as the decontaminant pressure and the flowrate. The “plume shape” determines the subsequent transport anddeposition of the droplets within an area around the mobiledecontamination system.

However, reaching and depositing droplets on surfaces also depends onspecific geometries of objects forming these surfaces, as well as otherobjects located in the vicinity. For example, nearby objects mayinterfere with airflows directing dispersed decontaminant. Furthermore,access to some surfaces may be limited by other objects. Finally,additional objects in the area may present restrictions about usingcertain decontaminants, operating at certain environmental conditions(e.g., temperature, humidity, and the like). As such, the depositionfrom the fixed “plume shape” from the nozzle may be affected by thetarget geometry. Without additional controls, a fixed “plume shape” cancause non-uniform coverage of different surfaces with the decontaminantdroplets. Some surfaces may receive excessive amounts of thedecontaminant (which may damage these surfaces), while other surfacesmay receive insufficient amounts or not at all (and remaincontaminated).

The mobile decontamination unit addresses this issue by determiningaerosol dispersing parameters based on specific area characteristics,such as orientations of various surfaces. In some examples, relativeorientations of different surfaces in the same area are considered dueto potential cross-effect of these surfaces while decontaminating thearea. For example, air flows generated within the area may be blockedand/or redirected by some surfaces. The mobile decontamination unit isself-adjustable and reconfigurable. The mobile decontamination unit isalso operable to control dispersing angles, dispersing amounts, dropletsizes, airflows carrying the droplets, temperature, and the like. Themobile decontamination unit is also movable within an operating area.

FIG. 1A is a schematic representation of mobile decontamination unit 300deployed within area 100, which is represented as an aircraft cabin.Aircraft cabins are highly-populated enclosed areas, which can becontaminated. Furthermore, aircraft cabins have many different surfaces110 made from different materials making decontamination processparticularly challenging. Yet, decontamination of aircraft cabins has tobe performed in a fast and efficient manner, e.g., between flightswithout leaving undesirable chemical residues.

It should be noted that mobile decontamination unit 300 may be deployedtogether with another mobile decontamination unit 300 in the same area100 as, for example, shown in FIG. 1A. Each mobile decontamination unit300 may be responsible for decontaminating a portion of area 100.Referring to FIG. 1A, mobile decontamination unit 300 on the left may beresponsible for decontaminating all seats in the left row and a leftportion of the center row. Mobile decontamination unit 300 on the rightmay be responsible for decontaminating all seats in the right row and aright portion of the center row as, for example, schematically shown inan expanded view in FIG. 1B. Each mobile decontamination unit 300 may bemovable along its respective aisle in this example. Alternatively, eachmobile decontamination unit 300 may be used decontaminate entire area100 but using different aerosol dispersing parameters. For example,different types of decontaminants may be used by each mobiledecontamination unit 300. Operation of each mobile decontamination unit300 may be synchronized with other units.

Mobile decontamination unit 300 is operable to disperse decontaminant315 in an aerosol form as decontaminant droplets 317. In some examples,mobile decontamination unit 300 is operable to disperse decontaminant315 in different directions at the same time, as schematically shown inFIGS. 1B and 1C. For example, mobile decontamination unit 300 may beoperable to disperse decontaminant 315 to the seat on the right and bothseats on the left of mobile decontamination unit 300. It should be notedthat in the example shown in FIGS. 1B and 1C, mobile decontaminationunit 300 is positioned at different distances to different seats (e.g.,the leftmost seat being the farthest from mobile decontamination unit300) that are being decontaminated. Furthermore, mobile decontaminationunit 300 in this example disperses decontaminant 315 to only one seat onthe right and two seats on the left. The control of dispersing angles,dispersing amounts, droplet sizes, airflows carrying the droplets,temperature, and other like parameters allows to decontaminate all seatsin a uniform manner.

Referring to FIG. 1C, mobile decontamination unit 300 may alsodecontaminate different portions of area 100 in the vertical direction(along the Z axis). For example, mobile decontamination unit 300 isshown to decontaminate areas under the seats, around the seats, and overthe seats. In some examples, mobile decontamination unit 300 may beraise its head portion containing nozzle to access and decontaminateeven higher portions of area 100 as, for example, shown in FIG. 1D.

While the following description references an aircraft, it should beappreciated that the subject matter described herein may be applicableto any types of vehicles, objects, or areas. For example, the subjectmatter described herein could just as readily be applied todecontaminate an automotive vehicle, a building, and/or any other areathat is at least potentially contaminated. Accordingly, any reference tothe “aircraft” throughout the following description is merely meant toillustrate one potential application of the teachings of the subjectmatter described herein.

As used herein, the term “decontaminating” refers to removing,inactivating, and/or destroying a pathogen on a surface and/or item suchthat the pathogen is no longer capable of transmitting infectiousparticles and such that the surface and/or item is rendered safe forhandling, use, and/or disposal. The term “pathogen” refers to anydisease, illness, and/or infection-producing agent including, withoutlimitation, a germ, a virus, a bacterium, a protozoon, a fungus, and/ora microorganism.

As used herein, an element or step recited in the singular and proceededwith the word “a” or “an” should be understood as not excluding pluralelements or steps unless such exclusion is explicitly recited.Furthermore, references to “one example” of the or the “exemplaryexample” are not intended to be interpreted as excluding the existenceof additional examples that also incorporate the recited features.

Examples of Mobile Decontamination Units

Description of mobile decontamination unit 300 and system 200, whichmobile decontamination unit 300 may be a part of, will be firstpresented, before describing methods of using mobile decontaminationunit 300. FIG. 2A is a schematic block diagram of mobile decontaminationunit 300. As shown in FIG. 2A, mobile decontamination unit 300 may be apart of system 200, which may include other components, such as one ormore remote units 210. Remote unit 210 may be also present in area 100.One example of remote unit 210 is heating-ventilation-air-conditioning(HVAC) unit 212 as, for example, schematically shown in FIG. 2B. Otherexamples include a humidifier, an ozone generator, a power supply, adecontaminant supply, a central controller, and the like. Remote units210 should be distinguished from various components of mobiledecontamination unit 300. In some examples, system 200 or at least is anenvironmental system of an aircraft. In these examples, area 100 is theinterior of the aircraft

Remote units 210 may be connected to mobile decontamination unit 300using tether 219. It should be noted that tether 219 allows for mobiledecontamination unit 300 to move within area 100 as, for example,schematically shown in FIG. 2B. This type of connection may be used toexchange information and control instructions, transmit power, transferdecontaminant 315, and the like. In some examples, remote unit 210 maybe connected to mobile decontamination unit 300 wirelessly. This type ofconnection may be used to exchange information and control instructions,for example. In some examples, mobile decontamination unit 300 may notbe permanently connected to remote unit 210 but temporary connection maybe established when mobile decontamination unit 300 returns to a base(e.g., for recharging, transferring decontaminant 315). In someexamples, mobile decontamination unit 300 operates as a standalone unitand is not part of system 200. In these examples, mobile decontaminationunit 300 may have its own power source, decontaminant storage, unitcontroller, and/or other components enabling independent operation.

FIGS. 3A-3B are schematic representations of mobile decontamination unit300, in accordance with some examples. Mobile decontamination unit 300may comprise base portion 310 and head portion 320. Head portion 320 maybe movably coupled to base portion 310. For example, head portion 320may be raised relative to base portion 310 and/or rotate relative tobase portion 310, e.g., rotate around center axis 309 of mobiledecontamination unit 300. Furthermore, head portion 320 may be able totilt relative to base portion 310 and relative to center axis 309. Themovement of head portion 320 relative to base portion 310 may beprovided by head positioning system 311 of mobile decontamination unit300. Mobility of head portion 320 relative to base portion 310 may beutilized for distribution of decontaminant 315 in a particular manner(e.g., more uniformly) as further described below. Specifically, headportion 320 may support various components of mobile decontaminationunit 300 operable to dispersed decontaminant 315 and directdecontaminant 315 to surfaces 110. Therefore, movement and orientationof head portion 320 relative to base portion 310 (and relative to area100) may be utilized for decontaminant distribution as further describedbelow.

Mobile decontamination unit 300 or, more specifically, base portion 310may comprise mobility module 312 operable to move mobile decontaminationunit 300 around area 100. Some mobility aspects are described above withreference FIG. 1A. For example, mobile decontamination unit 300 movealong aisles of an aircraft cabin.

Mobile decontamination unit 300 or at least base portion 310 may have acylindrical shape. This shape allows for mobile decontamination unit 300move in area 100 and contact objects within area 100 without gettingstuck on objects in the space.

Mobile decontamination unit 300 comprises at least one aerosoldispersing nozzle 322 and at least one aerosol directing fan 324. Whilethis description refers to aerosol directing fan 324, one havingordinary skill in the art would recognize that other types of devicesoperable to direct decontaminant droplets 317 may be used, such asturbines, compressed air jets, and the like. For example, FIGS. 3A and3B illustrate four aerosol dispersing nozzles 322 and four aerosoldirecting fans 324 positioned on head portion 320 of mobiledecontamination unit 300. Additional aerosol dispersing nozzles 322 areshown on base portion 310 (e.g., to dispense decontaminant under theseats in an aircraft cabin). Each aerosol dispersing nozzle 322 isoperable to disperse decontaminant 315 within area 100. Specifically,decontaminant 315 is dispersed in an aerosol form comprisingdecontaminant droplets 317 as, for example, schematically shown in FIGS.1B and 1C. Aerosol directing fan 324 is operable to direct 450decontaminant droplets 317 of decontaminant 315 to surfaces 110 in area100.

In some examples, aerosol dispersing nozzle 322 and/or aerosol directingfan 324 is movable at least with respect to base portion 310. Aerosoldispersing nozzle 322 and aerosol directing fan 324 may be eachindependently movable relatively to base portion 310. Alternatively,aerosol dispersing nozzle 322 and aerosol directing fan 324 may be movedtogether as a set. For example, aerosol dispersing nozzle 322 andaerosol directing fan 324 may positioned on head portion 320 as shown inFIGS. 3A and 3B. Movement of head portion 320 relative to base portion310 (and relative to area 100) will also cause aerosol dispersing nozzle322 and aerosol directing fan 324 to move relative to base portion 310(and relative to area 100). In this example, head portion 320 is used asa device orienting aerosol dispersing nozzle 322 and aerosol directingfan 324 in area 100, for example, to reach certain surfaces 110. Itshould be noted that the orientation of head portion 320 relative tobase portion 310 may be changed, e.g., in order to change theorientation of aerosol dispersing nozzle 322 and aerosol directing fan324 in area 100 and access new surfaces 110.

Independent movement of aerosol dispersing nozzle 322 and aerosoldirecting fan 324 provide processing flexibility. For example, changingthe angle of an airflow generated by aerosol directing fan 324 relativeto the plume of decontaminant droplets 317 generated by aerosoldispersing nozzle 322 will direct this plume to different surfaces 110.On other hand, moving aerosol dispersing nozzle 322 and aerosoldirecting fan 324 together (as a set) allows preserving theirorientation and allow for simpler controls, especially when mobiledecontamination unit 300 is equipped with multiple sets of aerosoldispersing nozzles 322 and aerosol directing fans 324. In some examples,all of these sets is moved together.

In some examples, aerosol dispersing nozzle 322 and/or aerosol directingfan 324 changes its orientation relative to head portion 320. Aerosoldispersing nozzle 322 and aerosol directing fan 324 may change theirorientation independently or together, e.g., as a set. For example, oneor both of aerosol dispersing nozzle 322 and aerosol directing fan 324may be operable to tilt (independently or together) relative to headportion 320 and relative to center axis 309. In this example, headportion 320 may have a dome shape to support this tilting featurethereby allowing wider tilting angles (e.g., 90° on each side or even180°). Furthermore, the dome shape of head portion 320 assists with airflow around head portion 320 and prevents accumulation of decontaminant315 (after its dispersal) on or around head portion 320.

In some examples, aerosol directing fan 324 is equipped with heaters326. Heater 326 is used to increase the temperature of area 100 or, morespecifically, to increase the temperature of the air directed by fan324. For example, efficacy of certain decontaminants depends ontemperature. Furthermore, increasing temperature allows expeditingdecontamination process, supply less decontaminant, evaporatedecontaminant residue from surfaces 110, and other purposes.

In some examples, aerosol dispersing nozzle 322 is equipped withelectrostatic charging devices 325 operable to apply an electrostaticcharge to decontaminant 315 at the time of the dispersion. Specifically,decontaminant droplets 317 are electrostatically charged, which maycause decontaminant droplets 317 to adhere more rapidly to surfaces 110.As a result, the amount of time needed for decontamination may bereduced and the decontamination process may go faster and potentiallywith less decontaminant being dispersed.

In some examples, mobile decontamination unit 300 comprises connector319 operable to connect mobile decontamination unit 300, for example, toremote unit 210. As described above with reference to FIGS. 2A and 2B,tether 219 is used for such connections. During operation, tether 219 isconnected to connector 319 and used for supplying electrical power,compressed air, and/or decontaminant 315. In some examples, tether 219may be used transfer data and/or perform other like operations.

In some examples, mobile decontamination unit 300 comprisesdecontaminant storage module 314 operable to store decontaminant 315onboard of mobile decontamination unit 300. This feature eliminates aneed for tether, in some examples, and make mobile decontamination unit300 more maneuverable in area 100.

In some examples, mobile decontamination unit 300 comprises a compressorfor pressurizing decontaminant 216 onboard of mobile decontaminationunit 300. Specifically, the compressor is operable to supply a pressuresufficient for distribution of decontaminant 315 through nozzle 322.

In some examples, mobile decontamination unit 300 comprises sensor 328.Some examples include, but are not limited to, as biological sensor 328a, chemical sensor 328 b, temperature sensor 328 c, humidity sensor 328d, camera 328 e, and the like. Sensor 328 is operable to obtain areacharacteristics 102. In some examples, biological sensor 328 a includesa bio-recognition component and a bio-transducer component. Therecognition component, such as a bio-receptor, may use biomolecules tointeract with the analyte of interest. This interaction may be measuredby the bio-transducer, which outputs a measurable signal proportional tothe presence of the target analyte in the sample. Some examples ofchemical sensor 328 b include a catalytic bead sensor, chemicalfield-effect transistor, electrochemical gas sensor, infrared pointsensor, and ion-selective electrode. Examples of temperature sensor 328c include an infrared thermometer, resistance thermometer, thermistor,and thermocouple. A hygrometer or a humistor may be used for humiditysensor 328 d.

In some examples, mobile decontamination unit 300 comprises unitcontroller 302 as, for example, schematically shown in FIGS. 2A and 3A.Alternatively, mobile decontamination unit 300 receives all controlinstructions from a remote unit and may not have its own unit controller302. Unit controller 302, when present, is operable to determine aerosoldispersing parameters 305 based on area characteristics 102.Furthermore, unit controller 302 is operable to control operations ofvarious other components of mobile decontamination unit 300, such asaerosol dispersing nozzle 322, aerosol directing fan 324, and mobilitymodule 312. Mobile decontamination unit 300 may also includecommunication module 306 and/or database 304, which may be parts of unitcontroller 302 or standalone devices.

Unit controller 302 may be used to implement one or more computers andmay include a processor unit, communications framework, memory,persistent storage, communications module, input/output (I/O) unit, anddisplay. The communications framework may take the form of a bus system.The processor unit may serve to execute instructions for software thatmay be loaded into the memory. The processor unit may be a number ofprocessors, a multi-processor core, or some other type of processor,depending on the particular implementation. The memory and persistentstorage are examples of storage devices, which may be hardware unitsoperable to store information, such as, for example, without limitation,data, program code in functional form, and/or other suitable informationeither on a temporary basis and/or a permanent basis. The memory, inthese examples, may be, for example, a random access memory or any othersuitable volatile or non-volatile storage device. The persistent storagemay be a hard drive, a flash memory, a rewritable optical disk, arewritable magnetic tape, or some combination of the above. In someexamples, database 304 (which may include area characteristics 102) isstored in the persistent storage. The input/output unit of unitcontroller 302 may be used for input and output of data with otherdevices. For example, the input/output unit may provide a connection foruser input through a keyboard, a mouse, and/or some other suitable inputdevice.

Instructions for mobile decontamination unit 300 or, more specifically,unit controller 302, such as its operating system, applications, and/orprograms may be located in the storage devices, which are incommunication with the processor unit through the communicationsframework. The processes of the different examples may be performed bythe processor unit using computer-implemented instructions, which may belocated in a memory, such as the memory. These instructions are referredto as program code, computer usable program code, or computer readableprogram code that may be read and executed by a processor in theprocessor unit. The program code in the different embodiments may beembodied on different physical or computer readable storage media, suchas the memory or persistent storage. The program code may be located ina functional form on the computer readable media that is selectivelyremovable and may be loaded onto or transferred to unit controller 302for execution by the processor unit. In these illustrative examples, thecomputer readable storage media is a physical or tangible storage deviceused to the store program code rather than a medium that propagates ortransmits the program code.

Alternatively, the program code may be transferred to unit controller302 using the computer readable signal media. The computer readablesignal media may be, for example, a propagated data signal containingprogram code. For example, the computer readable signal media may be anelectromagnetic signal, an optical signal, and/or any other suitabletype of signal. These signals may be transmitted over communicationslinks, such as wireless communications links, optical fiber cable,coaxial cable, a wire, and/or any other suitable type of communicationslink.

FIG. 3C is a schematic representation of information flowing amongvarious components of mobile decontamination unit 300, in accordancewith some examples. The input components, such as sensor 328, provideinformation to unit controller 302 that includes area characteristics102. For example, biological sensor 328 a and chemical sensor 328 b maybe used for detection of contaminants within area 100 and provideinformation (area characteristics 102) about the detected contaminantsto unit controller 302. Temperature sensor 328 c and humidity sensor 328d may be used to measure temperature and humidity, respectively, insidearea 100. Camera 328 e may capture images of area 100 to determineorientations of different surfaces 110 within area and/or relative tomobile decontamination unit 300.

In some examples, unit controller 302 receives information fromcommunication module 306 and/or database 304. In these examples,database 304 is used to store at least a portion of one or morecharacteristics of area 100 shown as area information in FIG. 2C. Inother words, at least a portion of area characteristics 102 are storedlocally at mobile decontamination unit 300. One example of suchcharacteristics is area layout. Additional characteristics can betransmitted to mobile decontamination unit 300 and/or obtained by mobiledecontamination unit 300. Communication module 306 is used to exchangeinformation (area characteristics 102 and/or dispersing parameters 305)with other units, e.g., Remote Units 210 and/or other mobiledecontamination units 300.

In some examples, unit controller 302 is integrated with communicationmodule 306 and/or database 304 into one computer system. Variousexamples and features of computer systems are described below withreference to FIG. 7.

Once unit controller 302 determines dispensing parameters 305, theseparameters are used to control various components of mobiledecontamination unit 300, such as aerosol dispersing nozzle 322 andaerosol directing fan 324 as further described below.

Examples of Decontamination Methods

FIG. 4 is a process flowchart corresponding to method 400 fordecontaminating of area 100, in accordance with some examples. Method400 may comprise deploying mobile decontamination unit 300 in area 100,as schematically shown by block 410 in FIG. 4. In some examples, mobiledecontamination unit 300 uses its own mobility module 312 forself-deployment in area 100 and without exposing any operators topotential contaminants in area 100, at least until the decontaminationin completed. In some examples, mobile decontamination unit 300 isstored in a palletized container (PC) of an aircraft prior to itsdeployment. Alternatively, mobile decontamination unit 300 may bebrought to the aircraft for decontamination.

Method 400 involves determining aerosol dispersing parameters 305 formobile decontamination unit 300, as schematically shown by block 420 inFIG. 4. Aerosol dispersing parameters 305 are determined based on areacharacteristics 102. To achieve effective decontamination, variousdifferent area characteristics 102 are considered. Some examples of areacharacteristics 102 are humidity, temperature, contaminant type,orientation of surfaces 110 in area 100, and the like. In some examples,areas having different characteristics are decontaminated usingdifferent aerosol dispersing parameters. Furthermore, areacharacteristics 102 can be different from one part of area 100 toanother. In some examples, smaller decontaminant droplets 317 and/orfaster airflow is used to access remote surfaces of area (e.g., toprevent droplets 317 from settling before reaching these surfaces). Whendetermining aerosol dispersing parameters 305, area characteristics 102may be considered collectively. For example, a combination of humidity,temperature, and contaminant type is used for selection of decontaminant315.

Determining aerosol dispersing parameters 305 during operation 420 maybe also performed based on one or more characteristics of decontaminant315 or, more specifically, selected decontaminant 315. Some examples ofdecontaminant characteristics include density, surface tension,composition, and the like. These characteristics typically impactdistribution of decontaminant 315 in area 100. For example, switchingfrom one type of decontaminant 315 to another one, effectively changesaerosol dispersing parameters 305. In this example, new aerosoldispersing parameters 305 are determined during operation 420.

In some examples, determining aerosol dispersing parameters 305 duringoperation 420 is performed using unit controller 302 of mobiledecontamination unit 300. Furthermore, some or all aspect of operation420 may be performed remotely from mobile decontamination unit 300 andtransmitted (e.g., complete aerosol dispersing parameters 305) to mobiledecontamination unit 300. For example, an initial set of aerosoldispersing parameters 305 may be transmitted to mobile decontaminationunit 300 and then further modified at mobile decontamination unit 300based on locally obtained characteristics 102 of area 100.

In some examples, determining aerosol dispersing parameters 305 duringoperation 420 comprises obtaining area characteristics 102, asschematically shown by block 422 in FIG. 4. Area characteristics 102 maybe obtained using sensor 328 of mobile decontamination unit 300 ortransmitted to mobile decontamination unit 300. Obtaining areacharacteristics 102 using sensor 328 allows deploying mobiledecontamination unit 300 in area 100 and to achieve effectivedecontamination even when some information about area 100 is unknown.For example, temperature of area 100 may be initially unknown or it maychange during decontamination. Yet, temperature has a significant impacton effectiveness of decontamination. In some examples, temperature ismonitored locally by mobile decontamination unit 300 or, morespecifically, a sensor of mobile decontamination unit 300. Anotherexample of operation 422 is obtaining the orientation of surfaces 110 inarea 100 using a camera of mobile decontamination unit 300 or from adatabase of mobile decontamination unit 300.

In some examples, presence of one or more contaminants in area 100 maybe performed during operation 422. Some examples of contaminants includetarget pathogens and bio-agents, such as viruses, bacteria, prions, andfunguses. The sensors may be configured to identify particular strainsof the flu, the Ebola virus, tuberculosis, hemorrhagic fever, and/or anyother contagion. In addition to the contaminants' presence, operation422 may involve detecting concentrations and other characteristics ofthese contaminants. Operation 422 may be performed onboard of mobiledecontamination unit 300 or some information may be transmitted toremote unit 210.

Operation 422 is optional and, in some examples, is not performed. Inthese examples, all characteristics 102 of area 100 necessary foroperation of mobile decontamination unit 300 may be stored in mobiledecontamination unit 300 (e.g., in database 304 of mobiledecontamination unit 300) and/or transmitted to mobile decontaminationunit 300 (e.g., from remote unit 210). For example, database 304 ofmobile decontamination unit 300 may be preloaded with a layout of area,surface conditions, expected environmental conditions e.g., humidity,temperature. In some examples, some characteristics 102 are obtainedmobile decontamination unit 300 after being deployed in area 100 (e.g.,using sensor 328) while additional characteristics 102 are stored atmobile decontamination unit 300 and/or transmitted to mobiledecontamination unit 300. Furthermore, all characteristics 102 may beobtained mobile decontamination unit 300 after being deployed in area100 (e.g., using sensor 328). In other words, mobile decontaminationunit 300 may have no information about area 100 at the time ofdeployment and no such information is transmitted to mobiledecontamination unit 300 after its deployment.

In some examples, operation 420 comprises determining the orientation ofaerosol dispersing nozzle 322 and/or the orientation of aerosoldirecting fan 324 based on the orientation of surfaces 110. Thisorientation relationship may be used to ensure that all surfaces 110 getadequate amounts of decontaminant 315 for effective decontamination.Furthermore, this orientation relationship ensures that surfaces (e.g.,proximate to mobile decontamination unit 300) do not get excessiveamounts of decontaminant 315, which may undesirably affect thesesurfaces.

In some examples, determining aerosol dispersing parameters 305 duringoperation 420 comprises changing one or more characteristics 102 of area100, as schematically shown by block 424 in FIG. 4. For example,initially obtained characteristics 102 may be inadequate for effectivedecontamination. In a specific example, temperature of area 100 may betoo low for decontaminant 315 to effectively react with and neutralizeidentified contaminants. These initially obtained characteristics 102may be changed during operation 424. Returning to the temperatureexample above, the temperature of area 100 may be increased afterdeploying mobile decontamination unit 300 during operation 410 and priorto dispersing the decontaminant during operation 440. For example,aerosol dispersing parameters 305 may comprise a temperature rampingprofile of the air directed by aerosol directing fan 324. Thetemperature ramping profile may be linear.

In some examples, operations shown in FIG. 4 may overlap. For example,changing characteristics during operation 424 may be performed whileobtaining these characteristics during operation 422. Specifically, areacharacteristics 102 may be continuously monitored. If areacharacteristics 102 drift from one or more acceptable ranges, operation424 may be performed to bring area characteristics 102 back into theacceptable ranges. Specifically, operation 424 may be performed whilearea characteristics 102 are being monitored resulting in overlap ofoperations 422 and 424. In this example, operation 422 may be used toprovide control feedback to operation 424. In the same or other example,area characteristics 102 may need to be changed while dispersingdecontaminant 315 during operation 440. For example, dispersing thedecontaminant may lower the temperature of the environment (e.g., due toevaporation of decontaminant 315). In order to maintain effectivedecontamination, the temperature needs to be increased/area 100 needs tobe heated. This heating (which is changing area characteristics 102during operation 424) may be performed without stopping the dispersal ofdecontaminant 315 (assuming that the temperature is still within theacceptable range).

In general, determining aerosol dispersing parameters during operation420 (or, more specifically, obtaining these characteristics duringoperation 422) may be repeatedly or continuously performed whiledispensing the decontaminant during operation 440. For example, theorientation of aerosol dispersing nozzle 322 and aerosol directing fan324 may need to be reevaluated and, in some instances, changed whiledispensing decontaminant 315. In another example, decontaminant droplets317 may be observed on surfaces 110 using camera 328 e as, for example,schematically shown in FIG. 5A. This observation of decontaminantdroplets 317 on surfaces 110 may indicate about the coverage of surfaceswith droplets 317 (e.g., sufficient or insufficient). Furthermore, thisobservation may be used as an indication of actual decontaminationprocess. For example, decontamination may change hydrophobicity ofsurface 110 and decontaminant droplets 317 will have different shapes onsurface 110 depending on the decontamination state.

Returning to changing one or more characteristics 102 during operation424, these changes may be performed using one or more components ofmobile decontamination unit 300. For example, aerosol directing fan 324may be equipped with heaters 326, which may be used during operation 424to increase the temperature of area 100. In the same or other examples,operation 424 comprises operating remote unit 210, as schematicallyshown with block 426 in FIG. 4. Remote unit 210 is external to mobiledecontamination unit 300. Specifically, operation 426 may comprisesending control instructions from mobile decontamination unit 300 toremote unit 210. Remote unit 210 responds to these control instructionsand perform its own operation to change one or more characteristics 102of area 100.

Aerosol dispersing parameters 305 determined during operation 420include at least one or more of identification of decontaminant 315 fordispensing in an aerosolized, temperature of air in area 100, humidityof air in area 100, relative timing of dispersing decontaminant 315 fromaerosol dispersing nozzle 322 and flowing air from aerosol directing fan324, duration of the dispersing, and the like. For example, aerosoldispersing parameters 305 may specify a relative humidity for the air inarea 100 to be between about 40% and 80%, such as about 60%. As notedabove, the aerosol dispersing parameters 305 may be different fordifferent types of detected contaminants. Furthermore, the initialdetermined aerosol dispersing parameters 305 can be later changed.

Decontaminant 315 agent selected during operation 420 (as a part ofaerosol dispersing parameters 305) may include one of more acids and/orone or more peroxides. For example, decontaminant 315 may includehydrogen peroxide. The concentration of hydrogen peroxide indecontaminant 315 may be less than 1% by weight and even less than 0.01%by weight. Hydrogen peroxide may be still effective at such lowconcentrations when combined with higher temperatures, such as betweenabout 100 degrees Fahrenheit and 180 degrees Fahrenheit. In someexamples, decontaminant 315 includes acetic acid. The concentration ofthe acetic acid may be may be less than 1% by weight and even less than0.2% by weight.

In some examples, various pre-formulated decontaminants 315 may be used,such as STERIPLEX™ HC solution available from SBIOMED LLC in Orem, Utah.STERIPLEX™ HC solution includes 0.03% by weight of silver, 19% by weightof glycerol, 0.0004% by weight of sorbitol, 10% by weight of ethanol,0.03% of hydrogen peroxide, 0.25% by weight of peroxyacetic acid, 0.19%by weight of acetic acid, and 70% by weight of water. STERIPLEX™ HCsolution or other like solutions may be diluted with water to less than50% by weight of the solution, less than 30% by weigh, and even lessthan 20% by weight. Decontaminant 315 may be supplied and, in someexamples, formulated by mobile decontamination unit 300.

The temperature of the air in area 100 may be between about 100 degreesFahrenheit and 180 degrees Fahrenheit or, more specifically, betweenabout 120 degrees Fahrenheit and 140 degrees Fahrenheit. Thistemperature may be specifically selected to increase efficacy ofdecontaminant 315 with respect to the detected contaminants. Otherconsiderations for selecting a particular temperature or, moregenerally, a particular temperature profile is to minimize duration ofthe heated air flowing through the aircraft compartment and to minimizea concentration of determined decontaminant 315.

In some examples, temperature profile 502 may be changed during thedecontamination process as for example shown in FIG. 5B. FIG. 5B alsoillustrates decontaminant concentration profile 504. In this situation,aerosol dispersing parameters 305 may include timing of the changeand/or temperature ramping profile. In some examples, the temperatureramping profile is linear. For example, a lower initial temperature maybe used to germinate spores, while a higher temperature may be laterused together with the decontaminant 315 to kill the spores.

Method 400 may comprise changing aerosol dispersing parameters 305 ofmobile decontamination unit 300, as schematically shown with block 430in FIG. 4. For example, when the current configuration of mobiledecontamination unit 300 is different from dispensing parametersdetermined during operation 420, mobile decontamination unit 300 may bereconfigured in accordance with the determined parameters. In otherwords, the current changing aerosol dispersing parameters 305 of mobiledecontamination unit 300 are changed. In some examples, operation 420may be repeated and new dispersing parameters 305 may be determined andmay be different from the ones currently used by mobile decontaminationunit 300. In this example, operation 430 is also performed. In someexamples, operation 430 overlaps with operation 440, e.g., changingchanging aerosol dispersing parameters 305 are performed whiledispersing decontaminant 315.

Some examples of operation 430 include changing the orientation ofaerosol dispersing nozzle 322 (relative to area 100), changing theorientation of aerosol directing fan 324 (relative to area 100),changing the power of heaters 326, changing the speed of aerosoldirecting fan 324, changing the dispensing rate of decontaminant 315,changing the dispensing conditions to achieve different droplet size,changing composition of decontaminant 315, and the like. For example,when mobile decontamination unit 300 completes decontamination of oneportion of area 100, the orientations of aerosol dispersing nozzle 322and, in some examples, the orientation of aerosol directing fan 324 maybe changed (relative to area 100) to proceed with decontamination ofanother portion. Mobile decontamination unit 300 may maintain a certainrelationship between the orientation of aerosol dispersing nozzle 322and that of aerosol directing fan 324 since fan 324 is responsible fordirecting the aerosol dispersed from the nozzle to the surface beingdecontaminated. In some examples, this relationship (e.g., the relativeorientation) of aerosol dispersing nozzle 322 and aerosol directing fan324 is fixed. Aerosol directing fan 324 may be specifically directed ata plume of decontaminant droplets 317 created by aerosol dispersingnozzle 322. If the position of the plume relative to aerosol dispersingnozzle 322 does not change (e.g., no changes in decontaminant 315, flowrates of decontaminant 315 and air), then the relative orientation ofaerosol dispersing nozzle 322 and aerosol directing fan 324 ismaintained.

In some examples, the relative of aerosol dispersing nozzle 322 andaerosol directing fan 324 is changed. For example, the position of theplume of decontaminant droplets 317 relative to aerosol dispersingnozzle 322 may change and aerosol directing fan 324 may be need to beredirected to a new position of the plume. Furthermore, the aerosoldirecting fan 324 may be changed to direct the plume to a differentlocation, e.g., a new surface.

In some examples, changing the orientations of both aerosol dispersingnozzle 322 and aerosol directing fan 324 comprises changing theorientation of head portion 320 of mobile decontamination unit 300relative to base portion 310. Specifically, head portion 320 maycomprise (and support) aerosol dispersing nozzle 322 and aerosoldirecting fan 324. In other words, when head portion 320 changes itsorientation relative to base portion 310 (and to area 100), it causesaerosol dispersing nozzle 322 and aerosol directing fan 324 to changetheir orientations relative to area 100 as well. For example, headportion 320 may be raised and/or rotated relative to base portion 310.As shown in FIGS. 1C and 1D, head portion 320 may be raised to accessoverhead compartments (e.g., stowage bins) in an aircraft. Furthermore,head portion 320 may be raised when decontaminant droplets 317 settlerapidly and/or when decontaminating remote surfaces (e.g., allowing fordecontaminant droplets 317 to reach these surfaces before settling onmore proximate surfaces).

In some examples, base portion 310 may also change its orientationrelative to area 100, e.g., by moving mobile decontamination unit 300 inarea 100 during operation 460 further described below. This may alsocause aerosol dispersing nozzle 322 and aerosol directing fan 324 tochange their orientations relative to area 100. As such, in someinstances, operation 460 may be viewed as a subset of operation 430.However, movement of mobile decontamination unit 300 in area 100 mayalso be unrelated to aerosol dispersing parameters 305, e.g., to deployor remove mobile decontamination unit 300 from area 100.

Method 400 may proceed with dispersing decontaminant 315 within area100, as schematically shown by block 440 in FIG. 4. This operation maybe performed in accordance with aerosol dispersing parameters 305.Decontaminant 315 is dispensed as a decontaminant droplets 317 usingaerosol dispersing nozzle 322 of mobile decontamination unit 300.

Method 400 may proceed with directing decontaminant droplets 317 tosurfaces 110 in area 100, as schematically shown by block 450 in FIG. 4.Aerosol directing fan 324 may be used for this operation by creating anairflow carrying decontaminant droplets 317. The airflow may beturbulent. Without being restricted to any particular theory, it isbelieved that a turbulent flow mitigated aerosol settling moreeffectively than, for example, a laminar flow. Aerosol directing fan 324may be operable to generate a turbulent flow. Furthermore, aerosoldirecting fan 324 such that the airflow engages decontaminant droplets317 soon after their dispensing, e.g., within 0.5 meters from aerosoldispersing nozzle 322 or even within 0.25 meters.

In some examples, operation 450 may also involve or at least account forany external airflows. The external airflows are the airflows that maybe present in area 100, may be generated by remote units, but notgenerated by mobile decontamination unit 300. In other words, aerosoldirecting fan 324 do not contribute to external airflows. Yet, mobiledecontamination unit 300 may utilize these external airflows, inaddition to any airflows generated aerosol directing fan 324, to directdecontaminant droplets 317 to surfaces 110. The external airflows, ifpresent in area 100, may be treated as a subset of area characteristics102.

In some examples, directing decontaminant droplets 317 within area 100during operation 450 involves changing some area characteristics 102.For example, directing decontaminant droplets 317 may change humidity,temperature, air flow, and other characteristics of area 100. As such,operation 424 may be viewed a subset of operation 450. Realizing thatdirecting decontaminant droplets 317 within area 100 may change somearea characteristics 102, obtaining area characteristics 102 duringoperation 422 may be performed repeatedly or even continuously tocapture these changes in area characteristics 102 and, if necessary,changing area characteristics 102 back into desirable ranges ordetermining new aerosol dispensing parameters in response to thechanges.

In some examples, dispersing decontaminant 315 within area 100 duringoperation 440 may overlap with directing decontaminant droplets 317 tosurfaces 110 during operation 450. Specifically, aerosol directing fan324 may operate at all times while dispersing decontaminant 315 is beingdispensed by aerosol dispersing nozzle 322. In some examples, at leastsome dispersing of decontaminant 315 may be performed without aerosoldirecting fan 324 being operational. For example, decontamination ofsurfaces proximate to mobile decontamination unit 300 may be performedwithout operation 450. However, at least some surfaces in area 100 willbenefit from operation 450 either because of their distance from mobiledecontamination unit 300 or their position relative to the dispensingdirection of aerosol dispersing nozzle 322.

Method 400 may further comprise moving mobile decontamination unit 300in area 100, as schematically shown by block 460 in FIG. 4. This movingfeature allows mobile decontamination unit 300 to decontaminate largerareas and/or to orientation its aerosol dispersing nozzle 322 andaerosol directing fan 324 relative to surfaces 110 in area 100. In someexamples, moving mobile decontamination unit 300 in area 100 duringoperation 460 is performed while dispersing the decontaminant duringoperation 440.

Moving mobile decontamination unit 300 in area 100 during operation 460may be performed automatically based on area characteristics 102. Forexample, mobile decontamination unit 300 may include a mobility module312 that allows mobile decontamination unit 300 to move without externalhelp e.g., from an operator. This feature allows to avoid exposinghumans to potential contaminants and/or decontaminants in area 100.

In some examples, method 400 further comprises supplying compressed air,decontaminant, electrical power, and/or control instructions to mobiledecontamination unit 300, as schematically shown by block 435 in FIG. 4.For example, decontaminant 315 may be supplied to mobile decontaminationunit 300. More specifically, decontaminant 315 may be supplied whiledispersing decontaminant 315 within area 100 during operation 440. Thison-demand supply of decontaminant effectively reduces the weight ofmobile decontamination unit 300 by eliminating a need for local storage.Decontaminant 315 may be supplied to mobile decontamination unit 300using tether 219 extending within area 100. Tether 219 allows mobiledecontamination unit 300 to move within area 100. In some examples,tether 219 may be use for supplying compressed air, power, and/orcontrol instructions in addition to or instead of supplyingdecontaminant 315. In some examples, control instructions may besupplied to mobile decontamination unit 300 wirelessly (without tether219).

When decontaminant 315 is not supplied on demand to mobiledecontamination unit 300, decontaminant 315 may be stored indecontaminant storage module 314 onboard of mobile decontamination unit300. Depending on the size of decontaminant storage module 314 and theamount of decontaminant 315 needed for area 100, mobile decontaminationunit 300 may be operable to return to a refilling station wheredecontaminant 315 is added to decontaminant storage module 314.

CONCLUSION

Although the foregoing concepts have been described in some detail forpurposes of clarity of understanding, after reading the above-disclosureit will be apparent that certain changes and modifications may bepracticed within the scope of the appended claims. It should be notedthat there are many alternative ways of implementing the processes,systems, and apparatuses. Accordingly, the present examples are to beconsidered as illustrative and not restrictive.

What is claimed is:
 1. A method for decontaminating an area, the methodcomprising: deploying a mobile decontamination unit in the area, themobile decontamination unit comprising an aerosol dispersing nozzle andan aerosol directing fan; determining aerosol dispersing parameters forthe mobile decontamination unit based on area characteristics;dispersing a decontaminant within the area using the aerosol dispersingnozzle and in accordance with the aerosol dispersing parameters, thedecontaminant being dispersed in an aerosol form comprising adecontaminant droplets; directing the decontaminant droplets to surfacesin the area using aerosol directing fan and in accordance with theaerosol dispersing parameters; and changing orientation of the aerosoldirecting fan relative to the area, comprising changing orientation of ahead portion of the mobile decontamination unit relative to a baseportion of the mobile decontamination unit, wherein the head portioncomprises the aerosol dispersing nozzle and the aerosol directing fan.2. The method of claim 1, wherein determining the aerosol dispersingparameters comprises obtaining area characteristics.
 3. The method ofclaim 2, wherein the area characteristics are obtained using a sensor ofthe mobile decontamination unit.
 4. The method of claim 2, wherein thearea characteristics are stored in a database of the mobiledecontamination unit.
 5. The method of claim 2, wherein the areacharacteristics comprises at least one of humidity, temperature,contaminant type, and orientation of the surfaces in the area.
 6. Themethod of claim 1, wherein determining the aerosol dispersing parametersfurther comprises changing the area characteristics to a set range. 7.The method of claim 6, wherein changing the area characteristicscomprises operating a stationary unit, external to the mobiledecontamination unit.
 8. The method of claim 7, wherein changing thearea characteristics further comprises sending control instructions fromthe mobile decontamination unit to the stationary unit.
 9. The method ofclaim 7, wherein the stationary unit is a heating-ventilation-airconditioning (HVAC) unit of the area.
 10. The method of claim 1, whereindetermining the aerosol dispersing parameters is performed remotely fromthe mobile decontamination unit and transmitted to the mobiledecontamination unit.
 11. The method of claim 1, further comprisingmoving the mobile decontamination unit in the area.
 12. The method ofclaim 11, wherein moving the mobile decontamination unit in the area isperformed while dispersing the decontaminant.
 13. The method of claim11, wherein moving the mobile decontamination unit in the area isperformed automatically based on the area characteristics.
 14. Themethod of claim 1, further comprising changing at least one oforientation of the aerosol dispersing nozzle relative to the area, powerof heaters, fan speed, or a dispensing rate.
 15. The method of claim 14,wherein changing the aerosol dispersing parameters comprises bothchanging the orientation of the aerosol dispersing nozzle and changingthe orientation of the aerosol directing fan.
 16. The method of claim15, wherein changing both the orientation of the aerosol dispersingnozzle and the orientation of the aerosol directing fan comprises movingthe mobile decontamination unit within the area.
 17. The method of claim1, wherein changing orientation of the head portion relative to the baseportion comprises at least one of raising the head portion relative tothe base portion or rotating the head portion relative to the baseportion.
 18. The method of claim 1, wherein directing the decontaminantdroplets to the surfaces in the area comprises forming a turbulent airflow around the decontaminant droplets using the aerosol directing fan.19. The method of claim 1, wherein determining the aerosol dispersingparameters comprises determining orientation of at least one of theaerosol dispersing nozzle or the aerosol directing fan based onorientation of the surfaces in the area.
 20. The method of claim 1,wherein the area is an aircraft cabin.
 21. The method of claim 1,wherein determining the aerosol dispersing parameters is furtherperformed based on decontaminant characteristics.
 22. The method ofclaim 1, wherein determining the aerosol dispersing parameters isperformed using a unit controller of the mobile decontamination unit.23. The method of claim 1, wherein dispersing the decontaminant withinthe area and directing the decontaminant droplets to surfaces in thearea overlap in time.
 24. The method of claim 1, wherein determining theaerosol dispersing parameters comprises determining orientation of boththe aerosol dispersing nozzle and the aerosol directing fan based onorientation of the surfaces in the area.
 25. The method of claim 24,further comprising obtaining the orientation of the surfaces in the areausing a camera of the mobile decontamination unit or from a database ofthe mobile decontamination unit.
 26. The method of claim 1, wherein theaerosol dispersing parameters comprise a temperature ramping profile ofan air directed by aerosol directing fan.
 27. The method of claim 26,wherein the temperature ramping profile is linear.
 28. The method ofclaim 1, further comprising supplying the decontaminant to the mobiledecontamination unit while dispersing the decontaminant within the area.